AD 98-04-48 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332L2 Helicopters

Models named: AS 332L2. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model AS 332L2 helicopters with main rotor blade vibration absorbers (vibration absorbers), part number (P/N) 332A11- 0460-01, installed, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For [[Page 9405]] helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

Required within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of a vibration absorber weight support assembly, which could lead to adverse vibrations, contact between the fuselage and a main rotor blade or loss of a main rotor blade; and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Convert the vibration absorbers, P/N 332A11-0460-01 into P/N 332A11-0460-02 by replacing the weight support assemblies, P/N 332A11-0470-00, with weight support assemblies, P/N 332A11-0474-00, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 62.00.43, dated February 13, 1997. (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff. (c) Special flight permits will not be issued. (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 62.00.43, dated February 13, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 12, 1998. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 97-026-005(B) R2, dated March 12, 1997. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 13, 1998. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-4409 Filed 2-24-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U